Page 87 of A Whisper and a Curse

“Sometimes, yes,” she said with a smile. “How horrid was Joslin’s tale?”

“It didn’t make him likeable.” Hadrian repeated what he’d learned and watched the horror rise in Tilda’s expression.

Tilda briefly covered her mouth with her hand. “Poor Abigail. Did you see any of that when you shook Joslin’s hand after we arrived?”

“Thankfully, no. I saw him at Brooks’s. Rather, I saw myself at Brooks’s because I was experiencing his memory. It’s the first time I’ve seen myself in a vision, and I don’t mind telling you that I didn’t care for it.”

“That would be very strange. What happened?”

“Nothing. It was more of a flash of a vision and was gone as quick as it came.” Hadrian exhaled. “I was most relieved. A vision like that does not bring a headache.”

“I’m certainly glad to hear that,” Tilda said. “We should visit this grocer where the blackmail victims have been directed to pay the extortion. It would be most helpful to establish a connection between the grocer and the society.”

“Agreed. Joslin mentioned the man he paid is called Timms. He described him as very short with dark hair.”

“That doesn’t sound like anyone we’ve met at the society.”

“It does not,” Hadrian said. “Bedfordbury is a terrible slum. You should bring your father’s pistol.”

“I will do that. Perhaps you should also arm yourself.” Tilda looked out the window, her expression contemplative. “I’m glad you asked about Joslin’s alibis. I don’t think we can assume this case is closed with Mallory being arrested. The evidence against him isn’t strong. Joslin has a greater reason to want to kill the mediums than Mallory does, as did Eldred, who was also blackmailed. We should probably speak with Mrs. Horace Tarrant about her blackmail experience, though I doubt awoman would be strong enough to commit these crimes. At least not without help.”

“I agree. There have to be other victims.”

Tilda nodded. “I hope that Teague has questioned Mallory on this issue. Whilst he won’t want to admit to blackmail, he may do so in order to help find the killer and prove his own innocence.”

“I would certainly do that,” Hadrian said.

“Blast,” Tilda said crossly, her eyes flashing. “I saw Joslin’s name in Mallory’s diary. Now that we know Joslin was blackmailed, perhaps other victims are listed within it. I hope Teague will let me review it.”

“An excellent idea. But why does that vex you?”

She crossed her arms over her chest and pursed her lips. “I should have thought of it sooner.”

“You did think of it,” Hadrian said. “And it’s not as if there aren’t a surplus of threads for us to be following at the moment. This investigation is quite complex.”

“You’re right,” Tilda said as she unfolded her arms and allowed her shoulders to relax. “One of those threads is Harmony Smith. I want to find out why she left the society.” Her brow knitted. “This isn’t a thread, but what about your mother? She will know about Hawkins’s death by now.”

Glancing out the window, Hadrian saw they were nearing Scotland Yard. “I forgot to tell you that I sent her a note when I arrived home yesterday evening. I apologized for not calling in person and suggested she pause any further séance attendance.”

“Did she respond?” Tilda asked.

“Not before I left to fetch you. I may call at her house after we visit Scotland Yard.” The coach stopped at their destination.

“Do you think she’ll agree to pause her efforts to communicate with Gabriel?”

Hadrian met her gaze. “I hope so because you and I both know for certain that it’s never going to happen. Furthermore, Iwon’t allow her to be sucked into becoming a patroness, or worse—becoming their next blackmail victim.”

“But will that happen now that Mallory is arrested?” Tilda mused. “I do wonder what will happen to the society without him at the helm.”

“I hope it dissolves,” Hadrian said. “With complete haste.”

CHAPTER 18

Tilda and Hadrian entered the building and were quickly shown to Teague’s office. The detective inspector stood upon seeing them. “You look as though you’ve news to share.”

“We just interviewed Douglas Joslin,” Tilda said. “Rather, Hadrian did most of the interviewing because Mr. Joslin did not wish to share certain information with me.”

Teague arched a brow, his eyes gleaming with great interest. “What was that?”